ATUC Meeting January 2014

The next Aberdeen, Trades Union Council Delegates meeting, will take place on Wednesday 8 January 2014 at 7.30pm within the ATUC premises at John Londragan House, 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen.

Brian Carroll

ATUC Acting Secretary, Brian Carroll said, "This is the first Delegates meeting of the new year and will include debating what motions ATUC put to STUC Conference, whether or not a Special meeting is fixed for Delegates to debate an RMT OILC Resolution and matters in connection with the ATUC Annual Report 2013. We hope to see all Delegates next Wednesday."

Festive Greetings from Aberdeen Trades Union Council

ATUC would wish to convey a Merry Xmas to all affiliates, delegates, friends and supporters of ATUC and also wish them all a Happy New Year in the hope everyone enjoys the festive season and is fit to continue the struggles against austerity, in the new year, by looking after all our members' interests and furthering the cause for fair treatment, respect, dignity and equality for all at work and in life in general. Have a great time everybody. 

With thanks to Royan Fettes for the photo

ABERDEEN TRADES UNION COUNCIL

St Andrew’s Day March and Rally - Standing up for Equality, Justice and Respect

Christmas shoppers stopped to watch as trade unions and community groups, led by the rhythmic uplifting beat of the Guarana Drummers, marched along Union Street for equality, justice and respect.

The St Andrew’s Day March and Rally on 30th November 2013, was organised by the Aberdeen Trades Union Council along with community groups including Aberdeen Anti Fascist Alliance and Aberdeen Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign. It made a colourful scene as the banners, UNISON's amongst them,  snaked down Union Street to the Rally at Marischall College.

STUC Report 2013

STUC 2013

ATUC highlights impact of austerity and calls for greater democracy in higher education

George Thomson, Morag Lawrence and Nathan Morrison represented Aberdeen Trades Union Council at the 116th STUC Annual Congress which was held in Perth Concert Hall from Tuesday 16 – Thursday 18 April, 2013.

Aberdeen Trade Union Council put forward three motions to the Congress. Morag Lawrence spoke on the composited motion on the Economy. 

Morag Lawrence

Morag reminded delegates that the STUC warnings on austerity had all come true.

“Attacks on public service jobs, pay and pensions have seen the economy slide further into recession with little growth and increased borrowing”, said Morag.

The misery of unemployment continues. Cutting jobs and services has made things worse and putting more people on benefits has meant a loss of tax receipts. The STUC and UNISON had warned of all of this, said Morag.

“And all the while the richest thousand people in the UK have seen their wealth increase by a massive £155 billion in the last three years. Enough to pay off the deficit with £30 billion left over”, she added.

“And boardroom pay has increased by 27% with an April Fools’ Day tax cut for the very wealthy.

“This is the problem”, said Morag. “The country is not broke. The money is just in the wrong hands and that is getting worse. We need to keep up the work to get that message across.”

Nathan Morrison spoke to the ATUC motion on Higher Education, which was merged with a motion from the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU). Nathan called for greater democracy in HE governance including “the representation of trade unions on governing committees” alongside other measures proposed by the Von Prondzynski Report on HE Governance. The STUC will now press for the report to be implemented in full.

Unfortunately, George Thomson had to return home before the end of the Congress. The ATUC motion calling for a Scottish Pensioners’ Parliament, which he was to speak to, was again deferred following discussion with the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, whose primary aim is for a Pensioners’ Commissioner.

The ATUC also submitted an Emergency motion on Venezuela, calling for support for the new government elected following the death of Hugo Chavez. This was put together with another motion on this subject and supported by delegates.

"All in all I had a great time at the Congress and enjoyed the experience," said Morag.

Morag Lawrence
Aberdeenshire UNISON